Kathua Attack: Security forces on Tuesday launched a joint search operation to track down the terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on an army patrol in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which occurred in the remote Machedi area on Monday, resulted in the tragic deaths of five army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer, and left five others injured.

The operation, supported by helicopter and UAV surveillance, includes ground teams utilising sniffer dogs and metal detectors, especially targeting dense forest areas. The joint effort also includes the army, police, and CRPF, focusing on areas like Machedi, Badnote, Kindli, and Lohai Malhar, with extensive cordoning in place.

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According to sources cited by news agency PTI, three to four terrorists, mostly foreigners, are believed to have executed the attack. They are part of the same group which was involved in the Basangarh attack in which a village defence guard Mohd Sharief was killed in an encounter with terrorists on April 28 in Panara village. Earlier in June, security forces had conducted search operations in the Bani, Daggar, and Kindli areas following reports of terrorist movements.

Taking to social media, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. "I am deeply anguished at the loss of five of our brave Indian Army Soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (J&K). My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Nation stands firm with them in this difficult time. The Counter Terrorist operations are underway, and our soldiers are determined to usher in peace and order in the region. I pray for a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries in this dastardly terror attack," Singh wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Indian Army airlifted bodies of the soldiers killed after their convoy was attacked by terrorists in the Machedi area. Post-mortem of the bodies will be done in Sub District Hospital Billawar. "An unfortunate incident took place yesterday in which 5 soldiers died. Strict action will be taken against the terrorists responsible for this. 8 injured soldiers were brought to Billawar Hospital. Post mortem of the deceased soldiers have been done..." Billawar Additional Deputy Commissioner, Vinay Khosla told ANI.